Optimal nutrition can improve well-being and might mitigate the risk and morbidity associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review summarizes nutritional guidelines to support dietary counseling provided by dietitians and health-related professionals. The majority of documents encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Thirty-one percent of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamins C, A, and D to maintain a well-functioning immune system. Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention. However, supplementation with vitamins C and D, as well as with zinc and selenium, was highlighted as potentially beneficial for individuals with, or at risk of, respiratory viral infections or for those in whom nutrient deficiency is detected. There was no convincing evidence that food or food packaging is associated with the transmission of COVID-19, but good hygiene practices for handling and preparing foods were recommended. No changes to breastfeeding recommendations have been made, even in women diagnosed with COVID-19.

Optimal nutrition can improve well-being and might mitigate the risk and morbidity associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review summarizes nutritional guidelines to support dietary counseling provided by dietitians and health-related professionals. The majority of documents encouraged the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods. Thirty-one percent of the guidelines highlighted the importance of minerals and vitamins such as zinc and vitamins C, A, and D to maintain a well-functioning immune system. Dietary supplementation has not been linked to COVID-19 prevention. However, supplementation with vitamins C and D, as well as with zinc and selenium, was highlighted as potentially beneficial for individuals with, or at risk of, respiratory viral infections or for those in whom nutrient deficiency is detected. There was no convincing evidence that food or food packaging is associated with the transmission of COVID-19, but good hygiene practices for handling and preparing foods were recommended. No changes to breastfeeding recommendations have been made, even in women diagnosed with COVID-19.

The inflorescence of Musa paradisiaca, known as “banana heart” is a structure that includes flowers and bracts of banana, commonly used as food source worldwide. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the mineral components of Musa paradisiaca and (2) to compare the obtained results with previously reported data of Recommendation Dietary Allowances (RDAs) and edible plant permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. The samples were digested using microwave-assisted equipment, while elemental contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES). Metal (Mg, Ca, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, and Zn) and nonmetal (S and P) contents were detected. According to RDA, the inflorescences could be excellent sources of Mg, P, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Fe for females, males, and pregnant women, all age 31–50 y, as well as children (4–8 y). Bracts are good source of Zn for male and pregnant women and good source of Fe for children. All the samples contained considerable amounts of Mg, Ca, P, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe, which were quite low to induce deleterious effects (UL). FAO/WHO limits for edible plants have not yet been established for S, P, Mg, and Ca, but Ni and Zn are below of those limit values. However, Cr and Cu concentrations are higher than the values established for edible plants and may pose a threat to human health. Farmers should be encouraged by government agencies, not only for sustainability of production but also to ensure the storage and trade of banana tree inflorescence.

a ResumoPacientes com úlceras crônicas, muitas vezes, apresentam hábitos alimentares inadequados que dificultam a cicatrização, seja pela falta de nutrientes ou pelo excesso destes. Sendo assim, objetivou-se caracterizar o estado nutricional e a prevalência de doenças crônicas de pacientes com úlceras nos membros inferiores em tratamento no Ambulatório de Feridas do Campus Cedeteg da Unicentro, Guarapuava -PR. Estudo transversal quantitativo, constituído por 36 pacientes. Os dados foram obtidos em formulários estruturados. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o programa SPSS versão 15.0 para Windows, considerando-se 5% de significância. As idades variaram de 40 a 76 anos. O tipo de úlcera mais presente na amostra foi a venosa com 72% (n=26), seguido de neuropática por hanseníase com 20% (n=7). A doença crônica mais prevalente foi hipertensão arterial sistêmica (52,8%), seguido de insuficiência venosa (30,6%), diabetes melittus (19,4%) e obesidade (33,3%). Segundo o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC), 41,6% apresentou eutrofia e de acordo com a circunferência da cintura (CC), 75% da amostra apresentou a medida acima do recomendado. Os valores de ingestão de nutrientes encontraram-se abaixo do recomendado para homens e para mulheres para vitamina A (p=0,0001 e p=0,002), vitamina C (p=0,001 e 0,016), zinco (p=0,080 e p=0,001) e de proteínas somente para as mulheres (p=0,020). Ainda, o grupo dos homens, apresentou uma ingestão adequada de calorias e elevada de proteínas e ferro. Percebeu-se que esses pacientes necessitam de estratégias voltadas para a alimentação e controle das comorbidades, a fim de favorecer a cicatrização das úlceras. A (p = 0.000 and p=0.002), vitamin C (p=0.00 and 0.016), zinc (p=0.080 and p=0.001) and protein only for women (p=0.020). Still, the group of men had an adequate intake of calories and high in protein and iron. It was noticed that these patients need strategies for power and control of comorbidities in order to promote the healing of ulcers. Palavras

A Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA) ou Aids é geralmente acompanhada de ingestão inadequada e balanço energético negativo. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi realizar o acompanhamento nutricional de pacientes com HIV/Aids hospitalizados, diagnosticando seu estado nutricional, desde a sua admissão até o desfecho hospitalar, considerando os aspectos sociais, clínicos, físicos, antropométricos, laboratoriais e consumo alimentar. Verificou- se que metade dos indivíduos sabiam do diagnóstico de HIV há pelo menos um ano e, destes, 53,6% não realizavam tratamento regular com TARV. Nas comorbidades, destacaram-se neurotoxoplasmose e pneumocistose. Na avaliação nutricional: 87,5% dos indivíduos apresentavam-se hipoalbuminêmicos e com elevados níveis de PCR. O IMC, adequação da CB e adequação de peso indicaram desnutrição. A oferta por via oral e de qualidade hiperproteica prevaleceu durante o acompanhamento. Os resultados apontaram que a situação de desnutrição é presente no ambiente hospitalar e está relacionada fortemente à situação nutricional.